In last year’s race, Madsen was the master over the big rocks, roots, and steep descents.

“Last year, my race plan was pretty simple,” he said. “I wanted to swim hard, ride really controlled, and then go hard on the double track. On the run it was the same thing.”

His plan paid off, and he finished in 2:10:51, just over two minutes ahead of Paul Tichelaar, who came through in 2:13:19. New Zealand’s Kieran McPherson was third in 2:16:02. Also in the top ten were Brent McMahon and 2016 XTERRA Pan Am Champs, Nate Youngs and Lewis Ryan. Carl Cote was 11th.

In the women’s chase Button enters as the reigning champ after finishing just over a minute ahead of Dawson in a close race last year.

“I decided to go as hard as I could for as long as I could and I kept waiting for her to catch me,” said Button about last year’s race. “It wasn’t until I got to the last downhill section that I was like, I don’t think she’s going to catch me. OK. Keep sprinting.”

In addition to a world-class race, XTERRA Victoria is a perfect summer getaway.

“It’s such a beautiful place that many athletes come early and explore the area,” said Moore. “It’s a great mid-summer vacation spot.”